Frequently asked questions

Are you still open?

• YES! More than half of the National Museum of Scotland is open during this project, so you can discover our collections, enjoy our varied programme of events and visit popular galleries such as Connect throughout the transformation work.

What is the project?

• The project is a £47 million plan to transform the Victorian Royal Museum building, in the heart of Edinburgh.
• As the National Museum of Scotland, it will create a world-class, 21st century visitor experience for Scotland, and a showcase for international visitors.

It's a great building, why are you changing it?

• We are improving the facilities inside the building. This means better exhibition spaces, improved access facilities and increased opportunities to support learning for all ages.
• The most noticeable change to the outside of the building will be new glass entrances at street level - much more welcoming. And inside, the main hall will be maintained in all its glory!

What will the new building offer?

• Increased number of objects on display.
• 16 new exhibitions and learning zones, focusing on World Cultures and the Natural World.
• A larger gallery for international touring special exhibitions.
• Three times the current facilities for schools and adult learners.
• Much better access to all floors and galleries within the museum, with glass lifts and escalators to the upper galleries.
• More public space, including a better shop, new cafes and a whole new floor at street level.

What’s happened to all the exhibits that were in the museum?

• Now that the project is under way, over two million items have been carefully catalogued, packed and moved into our purpose-built storage facility at the National Museums Collection Centre. Over five miles of bubble-wrap was used to ensure that all our objects, from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals, were kept safe.
• You can see pictures of the animals on the move in our photo gallery.

Will there be a charge to get into the new museum?

No, the new museum will be free for everyone.

How much is the Project costing?

• We have been awarded £34 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government - some of the biggest grants ever made to Scottish culture.
• We are now seeking £12 million from charitable trusts, individuals and the corporate sector.

The redevelopment is supported with generous funding from: